Toothpaste in Japan

Since the first time I visited Japan, I was introduced to some unique toothpastes and became interested in trying out different ones. The first and probably strangest one I've tried is Binotomo brand “Dentifrice Jet Black” nasu (Japanese eggplant) ash toothpaste, which is black and slightly salty. Most people would freak out a little at the idea of using black toothpaste, or even one that isn't sweet, but I sort of liked that one and have bought it a couple times. It's a little hard to find and one of the more expensive toothpastes.

I tend to try a new and strange toothpaste when I visit another country as well. I've tried bamboo salt and charcoal toothpaste in Hong Kong and South Korea. Other than vitamin C (orange flavored) toothpaste that made me drool too much, there are lots of other 'healthy' flavors. Herbal flavors are popular and my current toothpaste is a sweet apple chamomile.

In department stores and Tokyu Hands, I found tiny tubes of toothpaste called “Breath Palette” in about 50 different unique flavors. It's pricey but I love that I can get green tea or lavender flavored toothpaste. I think I also tried cinnamon, but espresso seemed like a bad idea.

People in Japan usually hate licorice flavor so they'd probably hate one of my favorite toothpastes in the states, a fennel flavored one. I feel like the typical mint flavors get a little boring and have been trying out different toothpastes as long as I can remember, because my family uses Crest and I always hated it for some reason.

I have heard of but never seen miso, wasabi, and takoyaki flavored toothpaste in Japan. Would you try it? I wanna hear about the weird toothpastes you've seen and tried in Japan! Which ones do you recommend (or recommend avoiding)?

I like snacks, Engrish, cats, plants eating buildings, riding a bike, photography, painting, onsen, traveling, playing board games with my nerdy Japanese husband, and living in Japan. I blog at https://helloalissa.wordpress.com/